I have been studying quantum mechanics for almost 30 years now. Every time I go back to study and understand something, it reminds me of a quote by Nelson Mandela: “There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find the ways in which you yourself have altered” ~ Long Walk to Freedom (1994)
On further contemplation, I find the same with other branches of physics and certain aspects of mathematics, too.
Perhaps this is what a ‘life of a student’ means?
